"Boss, what exactly is going on?" Marcus was the first to speak.
Riberra Sami's gaze swept across the three of them before he said in a low voice:
"We've been marked. Based on my judgment… it's very likely the Marines."
"What?!"
"You might not fully understand Observation Haki yet," Riberra Sami said, turning to Hans.
"That sensation you felt—like being watched with hostile intent, like needles on your back—that wasn't imagination."
"That's instinctive warning. Observation Haki reacting to danger."
"In a place like Haiyin Cape, something this organized, this patient, and this restrained…"
"I can't think of anyone else besides the Marines."
Marcus crossed his arms, his voice cold.
"So they're waiting… waiting for Kahairo to arrive… and then wiping us all out in one go?"
"That's possible," Riberra Sami nodded.
"But I think their main concern right now is the civilians."
"The port is densely populated. If a battle breaks out, the consequences would be disastrous."
"That gives us a time window—but it also means…"
"Their encirclement is probably already in place."
"Either offshore… or quietly positioned on land."
"Waiting for the right moment."
"Then let's fight them here!" Aldo's voice carried a hint of aggression.
"They're worried about civilians? Then we drag the fight into the city!"
"No."
Riberra Sami cut him off immediately.
"With our current size, they've definitely deployed at least a flag officer."
"And not just one."
"I'm confident I can beat a normal Marine officer of that level…"
"But it would take time."
"And during that time—"
He looked at the others.
"You're only a dozen people."
"How many Marine officers can you hold off?"
Silence.
"Then what are we waiting for?" Feiqi said urgently.
"Let's leave now!"
"Still no."
Riberra Sami shook his head.
"We just returned to the ship. If we set sail immediately, it's too obvious."
"That's basically telling them we've noticed."
"That could force them to act early—even attack inside the harbor."
"And this ship—"
He glanced at the deck.
"—has zero defensive capability."
"It won't survive a Marine warship's artillery."
"If that happens… we're finished."
He walked to the window, looking out at the dark sea and scattered harbor lights.
After a brief silence, he spoke again.
"Based on long-term… observation," he said slowly,
"humans are most fatigued between 3 and 4 a.m."
"Observers in the dark are no exception."
"We leave at three."
"Quietly."
"With the Burst Dials installed, the Lark can outrun them."
Then he turned to Hans.
"Get some sleep."
"Breaking out depends on you."
📞 Call
Buru buru buru…
Click.
The Den Den Mushi shifted into the sleepy face of Kahairo.
"Wha… who is it… in the middle of the night…"
"It's me. Riberra Sami."
The snail's eyes widened.
"Boss? What happened?"
"We might have a problem. The Marines are probably onto us."
"Don't come to Haiyin Cape."
"Too risky."
"…Then where do we meet?"
"Water 7."
"Water 7?"
"Yes."
"We'll arrive earlier than you."
"Perfect timing to sell off what we brought from the sky islands…"
"And commission a proper ship."
The Den Den Mushi nodded.
"Understood. We'll meet at Water 7."
"Stay safe, boss."
Click.
🌒 3:00 AM
Time passed quietly.
Inside the helm room, Feiqi gently woke Riberra Sami, Marcus, and Hans.
Hans rubbed his eyes.
"…It's three?"
"Yeah," Feiqi nodded.
Riberra Sami spoke softly:
"Hans. Use your Observation Haki."
"Check the surroundings carefully."
Hans closed his eyes.
Focused.
Moments later, he opened them and shook his head.
"No… that feeling is gone."
"At least within my range."
"Or… they're far enough away that I can't detect them."
"That's enough."
Riberra Sami made the call instantly.
"Feiqi. Execute."
They moved quickly.
Untying the ropes from the dock.
Under the cover of darkness and gentle waves—
the Lark began drifting away from its berth.
Silently.
🪖 Meanwhile — Marine Observation Post
On a rooftop overlooking the harbor—
two Marine scouts struggled to stay awake.
"Haah—"
One yawned, rubbing his dry eyes.
"This night watch is killing me…"
"Stop complaining," the other whispered.
"This is Sengoku's operation."
"Stay sharp."
"I'll take over. You rest."
The first man nodded and handed over the telescope.
The second scout raised it—
instinctively checking the Lark's position.
"Hey… be careful," the first muttered.
"Sengoku warned us not to observe directly too often."
"They might have Observation Haki users."
"I know. Just one look."
"The fog's getting thicker…"
He adjusted the lens.
Looked closer.
…Nothing.
"…Gone?!"
"What?"
The other grabbed the telescope.
The berth was empty.
Completely empty.
"Impossible! It was just there!"
"Contact observation points 3 and 5! Confirm immediately!"
After a brief exchange—
their faces turned pale.
"The Jellyfish Pirates… are gone."
"Damn it!"
"Report immediately! Urgent report to Vice Admiral Sengoku and Vice Admiral Hack!"
⚓ Marine Fleet
The message reached the warships instantly.
BANG BANG BANG
Sengoku's cabin door was knocked violently.
"Enter!"
A messenger rushed in.
"Report! The target ship has disappeared from Haiyin Cape ten minutes ago!"
"What?"
Sengoku sat upright instantly.
"Disappeared? Which direction?"
"Unknown! No confirmed departure route!"
Another messenger burst in.
"Report! Southeast observation post has sighted a suspected target heading east-southeast!"
"Southeast…"
Sengoku's eyes sharpened.
He grabbed his coat and strode out.
"Orders!"
"All units—battle stations!"
"Raise anchor!"
"Heading: east-southeast!"
"Notify Vice Admiral Hack—flank and seal possible escape routes!"
"Turn on all searchlights!"
"I want · Riberra Sami to understand—"
"He's not getting away."
"YES SIR!"
Sirens shattered the night.
Chains roared as anchors were lifted.
Blinding searchlights tore through the fog.
The hunt—
had begun.
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